Jaspal Atwal apologises for causing embarrassment to Canada by visiting India
Vancouver, Mar 9 (IBNS): Convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal has apologised for causing embarrassment to Canada by accompanying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the latter's recent visit to India, media reports said.
Atwal has been widely criticised by international media after he was photographed with Trudeau's wife Sophie at the Bollywood event in Mumbai, India.
Interacting with media, Atwal said: "In the end, I am sorry for any embarrassment this matter has caused to Canada, India, my community and my family."
"When my attendance became the news story that brings us here today I was completely shocked and devastated" he added.
Reading a statement with lawyer by his side, Atwal said he was "overwhelmed" to receive the media attention.
He said: "I don’t fault the press for the reporting, but I do want everyone to appreciate how difficult it is for a person to become the centre of international media attention."
Atwal has been quoted by CTV News.
Sophie has recently said she was shocked to know that she was seen in a picture with Atwal.
Atwal was convicted in Canada for attempting the murder of then-Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island in 1986.
Atwal's invitation to the dinner hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in India on Thursday came as an embarrassment for Trudeau as he had ensured Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of Canada's distance from all those who are allegedly involved with the Sikh separatist movement.
Trudeau has also promised to take actions against all who want the Indian state of Punjab to be a separate country, named Khalistan.
As a damage control, the invitation to Atwal was later rescinded.
Image: screenshot grab
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